NORTH DOWNS & BEYOND

One of those lazy days spent in the garden, tidying up and getting ready for the coming season. Even though it was mild, and the odd sunny spell was enjoyed, no butterflies were seen. A few bees were on the wing (Buff-tailed and Honey) and the MV produced a March Moth. There is some colour in the garden, and over the past few days have taken a few pictures to capture it. Here's a selection. Daphne odora, same family as Spurge-laurel and Mezereon Iris 'Blue Note' Free-form jazz from the iris world. Nice... Iris 'Katharine's Gold'  Sarcococca confusa - or Christmas Box. Gives the winter air a punchy whiff The 'Daddy' of our Stinking Hellebores arrived here unaided. It grows wild nearby. Viburnum bodnantense - waxy blooms

I must admit to having a soft spot for plants that are garden escapes. They could be self-seeders that have jumped over a garden wall, have had their long-dormant seed awoken by disturbance or maybe have been transported to their new home in dumped soil. How this magnificent blousy iris found its way onto the sandy ground alongside Littlestone Golf Course is anyone’s guess, but it is a truly show-stopping sight. It is one of the Bearded Irises (thanks Gill) but as to which cultivar/variety it is has yet to be established.